The Day A little girl dressed up as me!

A couple of months ago, I got a message that quite literally stopped me in my tracks.

It was from my lovely friend Theresa, one of those radiant, always-there people who brightens your day even via text. She told me about a little girl who had seen me, not long before, in the village of Columpton. That day, I’d been wheeling through town, and all the children were lined up along the roadside, clapping and cheering like I’d just won the Olympics. Honestly? One of the best days of my life.

Among those kids was this sweet, sparkly-eyed little girl. She was excited to meet me... me! Which is always a bit of a weird feeling. Cue imposter syndrome in full technicolour: “Oh gosh, what if I disappoint her? I’m just… you know… me.” But we had a little chat, and she was absolutely adorable. One of those souls that lights up a space.

Then came the message.

Theresa told me they were having a non-school-uniform day, where kids had to dress up as someone who inspires them. And this little legend asked if she could dress up… as me.

Reader, I nearly melted.

I wanted so badly to send her one of my actual tops, but with training and schedules colliding like caffeinated squirrels, I couldn’t get it to her in time. But—bless him—little Nico (another legend) stepped up and lent her his top id given him. His only request: “Don’t ruin it. And don’t wash it.”

Honestly? Iconic energy.

And then came the photo.

She nailed it. From the outfit to the stance, right down to the detail of which leg was missing, she even stood on one leg to make it accurate. I mean, talk about dedication to the role! When Theresa sent me the picture, I just sat there crying (happy tears, of course) because it meant the world. Her name, by the way, is Renesme, and she made it magical. And here’s the kicker: she wasn’t alone. Apparently, three or four other kids also dressed up as me.

Cue full emotional meltdown.

We’ve been talking about me going into their school to give a talk, and I absolutely will. These children are incredible. The idea that I could inspire even one of them? Let alone a small army of mini-me’s in borrowed hoodies? It’s beyond anything I ever imagined.

Sometimes life gives you medals. Other times, it gives you a small child in your t-shirt pretending to be you. And honestly, the second one is far more powerful.

She said she found me inspiring, but actually she inspired me too 🫶